Each August, the hills surrounding the Little Big Horn River in Montana are transformed into the "teepee capital of the world," with thousands of traditional camps, hundreds of horses, and throngs of participants all gathered for the revelry of the Crow Fair and Rodeo. Now in its 98th year, the festival is one of the largest gatherings of American Indians in the United States and is held each year to celebrate family, heritage, and native pride. The event boasts spectacular traditional regalia, nearly 1,500 teepees pitched on the river banks, dance competitions featuring Crow, also known as Apsaalooke, tribal members and countless other tribes across the nation, traditional artwork and other vendors, a rodeo and much more. Crow Fair is open to the public; spectators are welcome during all seven days of the event. Event organizers offer both day and weekend passes for adults and children. Enrolled members of any Indian tribe are admitted free to all events.
The annual event includes:
- Crow-only dances
- National powwow dances and competitions
- All-Indian rodeo
- Indian relay horse races
- Crow Fair Parade
Crow Agency is also steeped in history, being the site of the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, just a few miles away, where visitors can learn about the famous battle and its significance. The Bighorn National Forest is approximately 60 miles south for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wealth of hiking trails, camping sites and stunning vistas. The Pryor Mountains, about 40 miles to the west, provide additional opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Visitors to Crow Native Days will find a range of accommodations in nearby Hardin, just 15 miles to the north of Crow Agency. Travelers can reach Crow Native Days via Billings Logan International Airport, 65 miles northwest of Crow Agency. The nearest Amtrak station is also in Billings, where visitors can travel by train.